FERNDALE, WA. – (MyBellinghamNow.com) Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife officials are investigating after finding a badly injured bald eagle.

The Whatcom Humane Society says that the adult male eagle was found by DFW crews near Paradise Road in Ferndale on Sunday, Feb. 11.

X-rays determined the eagle was suffering from multiple buckshot wounds.

Staff later chose to humanely euthanize the eagle due to the severity of his injuries.

Willfully hunting or injuring a bald eagle is a federal offense.

The State Department of Fish and Wildlife is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the eagle’s injuries.

Anyone with information should contact DFW at 360-902-2936, ext. #0.